Math, Class Levels, and Harvard

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>I've been reading articles and forums lately on the college admission processes and, obviously, how/what you need to get into colleges such as Harvard. I've been following the typically instructions, (like taking leaderships and so forth) however I have one problem. I have multiple extracurriculars under my belt, including being the president of a few (all of which display a focused interest in writing and community service), and done well thus far. But, my main issue that I worry can weigh me down with my possibilities of getting into Harvard, or any other Ivy League, is me not taking a few honors courses (and considering I go to a very difficult and challenging schools, I suppose this would be considered almost the equivalent of AP courses to other schools). This is also paired with lower math levels, at least for the moment. I have been put on a schedule that would (if everything works out) allow me to skip two math books, pushing me from graduating with Honors Pre-Calc to AP Statistics. So, the purpose of this post, really, is that: will my chances at Harvard be affected by not taking these few (three total) honors courses and being at a lower math for the moment, and will I have just as, if not more, of a possibility of getting in with far more extracurriculars and community service hours over just a few honors classes and lower math classes (for the moment).</p>

<p>Please let me know what you think!</p>

<p>I’m not an expert on the subject but of the multiple colleges i have visited/been to information sessions at, every single one (including Harvard) when asked about what they look at for admissions said it was important to see that you are taking “the most challenging classes offered” so I’d say that yes, that might hurt your chances. Academics come first and if you don’t take hard enough classes then they probably dont’ care about what clubs you’re in.</p>

<p>Again, I’m not an expert so don’t just take my word but I’d try and take more challenging classes in the future.</p>

<p>If you have lower math levels than the other applicants improve in something else!
I am taking H Algebra 2 and I am a sophomore, a couple of my friends however are taking H Math Analysis (Pre-Calculus). However my dream University is UPenn. So what do I do atleast? I have self-studied a lot more AP’s than them. I took AP Human Geo, AP Spanish Language, and AP Psych 9th grade got a 5 on all. While my friends are barely taking AP’s now. If you are a freshman and taking algebra 1 then try to take Geometry & Algebra 2 sophomore year you could have an A in both since they are not related math courses at all. Also you may be able to take certain math classes at a loal community college if possible. Good Luck!</p>